Eid al-Adha 2026
religiousMonday, May 17, 2027
246 days from today · next occurrence
About Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second of the two great Islamic holidays and falls about two months after Eid al-Fitr, on the tenth day of the final lunar month. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, known in biblical tradition as Abraham, to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, a test that ended with a ram provided in place of the child. The day opens with congregational prayers, followed by the ritual slaughter of sheep, goats, cattle, or camels by those who can afford it. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for people in need. Families gather for large meals, exchange greetings, and dress in their best clothes. Millions of pilgrims performing the Hajj in Mecca also observe it.
When is Eid al-Adha?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 27, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 17, 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 6, 2028 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 25, 2029 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | April 14, 2030 | Sunday |
History of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is rooted in the story of Ibrahim's test of faith, told in the Quran and in earlier scriptures, and the holiday became established when the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage were formalized in seventh-century Medina. Its timing coincides with the climax of the pilgrimage, so pilgrims and non-pilgrims worldwide share the same days of worship and sacrifice. Over the centuries the festival spread with Islam across the Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia, and Southeast Asia, with each culture developing distinct culinary traditions, from Turkish kurban kebab to Nigerian suya feasts. In many countries it became the most important holiday of the year, with several official days off. Modern practice increasingly includes organized halal slaughtering, meat donation charities that distribute portions internationally, and digital greetings, though the core values of devotion, charity, and family remain central.
How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha
- Attend the congregational Eid prayer in the morning, often held in large open venues.
- Arrange a sacrifice through a local provider or charity if you are able, and share the meat as tradition prescribes.
- Deliver portions of meat to relatives, neighbors, and families in need.
- Host or join a large family meal featuring regional dishes such as kurban kebab or biryani.
- Send Eid greetings to friends worldwide and follow the Hajj coverage from Mecca.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Eid al-Adha?
- Eid al-Adha is based on the religious calendar, so the date changes each year. It falls on the tenth day of the final Islamic lunar month, coinciding with the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, and expected dates are listed in the table on this page.
- Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday?
- Yes, it is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries, often lasting several days, and workplaces elsewhere commonly accommodate the observance.
- How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
- They attend congregational prayers, sacrifice an animal where they are able, share the meat with family and those in need, and enjoy large meals with relatives.
- What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?
- Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha honors Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.